Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For August, the question is: “What is your favorite writing craft book and why?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are PK Hrezo, Cathrina Constantine, PJ Colando,Kim Lajevardi, and Sandra Cox. Click on their names to see what they’re up to this month.
My answer to the question – What is your favorite writing craft book and why?
I don’t use writing craft books. In the initial stages of creating my memoir ages ago, I enjoyed and benefitted from Your Life as Story by Tristine Rainer and I did read Mary Karr’s The Art of Memoir.
Authors helping authors
Laws of Nature by Jacqui Murray
I’m excited to announce the recent release of Laws of Nature, written by my supportive, intelligent, organized and creative friend, the versatile blogger and author Jacqui Murray. This is the second book in her prehistoric fiction series Dawn of Humanity. I have not purchased Jacqui’s newest novel yet, but the first two books of her Crossroads Trilogy are eagerly waiting on my Kindle. I am fascinated by the premise, the era, and the setting of these intriguing series.
Here is more information about Laws of Nature:
Tagline:
A boy blinded by fire. A woman raised by wolves. An avowed enemy offers help.
Summary:
In this second of the Dawn of Humanity trilogy, the first trilogy in the Man vs. Nature saga, Lucy and her eclectic group escape the treacherous tribe that has been hunting them and find a safe haven in the famous Wonderwerk caves in South Africa. Though they don’t know it, they will be the oldest known occupation of caves by humans. They don’t have clothing, fire, or weapons, but the caves keep them warm and food is plentiful. But they can’t stay, not with the rest of the tribe enslaved by an enemy. To free them requires not only the prodigious skills of Lucy’s unique group–which includes a proto-wolf and a female raised by the pack–but others who have no reason to assist her and instinct tells Lucy she shouldn’t trust.
Set 1.8 million years ago in Africa, Lucy and her tribe struggle against the harsh reality of a world ruled by nature, where predators stalk them and a violent new species of man threatens to destroy their world. Only by changing can they prevail. If you ever wondered how earliest man survived but couldn’t get through the academic discussions, this book is for you. Prepare to see this violent and beautiful world in a way you never imagined.
A perfect book for fans of Jean Auel and the Gears!
Laws of Nature is available in print or digital at: Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon AU, Amazon India.
Author bio:
Jacqui Murray
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution, one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Natural Selection, scheduled for release in the winter of 2022.
Find Jacqui on Amazon, her blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, and her website.
Jacqui Murray was one of the first reviewers of my travel memoir Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary. You can read her in-depth, 5-star review on Amazon here.
Reviews are important!
Before gifting Pam Wight’s two children’s books, Birds of Paradise and Molly Finds Her Purr, to my twin nieces for their birthday, I read both books and left reviews about them on Goodreads. You can find those here and here.
My book news
The first two weeks of July, Mark and I were still in my home country of Belgium, visiting friends and family. You can read about that time here. My parents recorded the news program I did an interview for at the end of June, so I watched myself on TV once more to take a few photos. You can watch this video here.
Last month, I wrote about the two newspapers that featured me in an interview. Unfortunately, the biggest one – Het Laatste Nieuws – still hasn’t published the piece in its print version. The digital article is posted here and the one in Het Nieuwsblad can be found here, but you have to be a subscriber to read the articles in their entirety.
Article in Het Nieuwsblad
One day in July, I noticed that the cover of Plunge made the banner of Facebook’s largest female book reader’s group, Women Reading Great Books. It was a pleasant surprise to be featured on a group with over 84,000 members. That being said, no obvious sales occurred because of this exposure.
Also in Belgium, I had fun leaving personal messages in and signing Plunge books my friends and family had purchased. The support I received in my home country was amazing! My friend Rosy even bought extra copies for her friends.
Signing Plunge copies for my fiend Rosy
Once back in the US, this feeling of “specialness” lingered a tad longer when two family members sent me photos of my book while they are reading it. And, after a very slow week regarding sales, a complete stranger contacted me on Messenger (Facebook) with a beautiful note about how she is enjoying my book. She included a photo as well. Plunge being appreciated in three different countries. The small things in life… 😊
My biggest event for July was being featured as the Spotlight Sunday author on the most prominent memoir group on Facebook: We Love Memoirs. This group has 5,800 members and self-promotion is strictly forbidden. For an entire Sunday (July 25th), I engaged with potential readers and interacted with members, answering questions and sharing special photos.
While it was enjoyable to be in the spotlight and there was a fair bit of engagement regarding comments, my guess is that most people joined the party to win one of the free eBooks I gave away after the event. What did I gain from an entire day of focus, dedication, and time? Other than getting exposure, I might have sold two copies of Plunge.
What’s next?
Now that I have returned to my computer, I am continuing the chore of promoting Plunge, looking for creative approaches to reach more readers, and making those final changes to the book’s back cover. Oh, and I just attended my first ever in-person event: a booth to sell and sign my memoir for a day at the annual Yankee Homecoming Festival in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on August 3rd. More about that next month.
Photo by Duwan Dunn
I’m linking this post up with Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share #31 this week.
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August 4, 2021 at 15:12
As someone who is at a similar point in his writing career, I admire all that you are doing. I’m no expert by any means, but I would say you are doing all that you can. My sales have virtually dried up, but I quite frankly have devoted 95% of my energy into writing and getting better at the skill of writing. I think it’s natural to want to see a little boost from your efforts, but if you’re in this for a longer haul, then realize all of these things you are doing are slowly building your brand. In the meantime, take pride in those moments when a stranger reaches out to you.
By the way, I also think Jacqui and Pam are awesome writers. I’m definitely going to get to Pamela’s book, Flashes of Light this month.
Much luck moving forward, Liesbet. Happy traveling and writing!
August 4, 2021 at 15:21
Hi Pete! Isn’t it nice how we have created our own little circle of authors whom we respect and enjoy? I drink in your wise words and experience. And, I curse my A-type personality often. Enjoy Pam’s latest and your writing efforts and I will enjoy “happy travels” in another month or so. 🙂
August 4, 2021 at 15:29
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August 4, 2021 at 15:29
OK, that must have been code I stumbled on. I’ll try again.
August 4, 2021 at 15:30
Nope, not working. Here it is, unadorned.
Blush
August 4, 2021 at 15:37
Hey, now I can see it on your cheeks in the photo as well. 🙂
August 4, 2021 at 15:37
Maybe it didn’t work as I was still “messing” with my post…
August 4, 2021 at 15:36
It’s almost a blush… 🙂
August 4, 2021 at 15:16
Hi Liesbet!! I enjoyed watching the video even though I only speak english. It was nice to hear your voice and put that together with the photos you’ve posted. I loved the video section with the stingray. Boy do I miss living near the beach.
How exciting about the progress you are making with Plunge. You have worked very hard and continue to work hard promoting your book. I just know it is a good book and will read some day. I wish you the best selling your book at the festival. If I lived near by I would most certainly stop in for a visit, and an autographed copy of your book.
August 4, 2021 at 15:23
You are so kind, Lea. Your comments always make me smile. I would love to chat with you at any (writer) event. 🙂 And, I hear you about missing the beach and the ocean. Luckily for us, we seem to travel from coast to coast often and therefore manage to witness the smells, sounds, and colors of the sea in healthy doses. Sometimes, however, there are many months and miles of land in between.
August 4, 2021 at 15:28
You are amazing, Liesbet. Your books must be flying off the shelves! And thank you for hosting me today on your blog. We will have a good time!
August 4, 2021 at 15:36
Thanks, Jacqui. Blush back. Unfortunately, there is no flying off the shelves by Plunge. For that, one needs to be famous or promoted by influencers. 🙂 You are very welcome. I said it before and I say it again: I have the hugest amount of respect and admiration for you!!!
August 4, 2021 at 16:37
Hi, Liesbet – Congratulations on the video and the FB recognition I truly believe that all of the hard work that you are doing now will pay off in the end. Thank you for spotlighting Pam and Jacqui. I agree that both authors/bloggers are amazing!
August 6, 2021 at 13:59
Hi Donna! I think our entire blogging/author community is pretty amazing, including you!!! So nice to have made so many wonderful connections online these last handful of years. 🙂
August 4, 2021 at 16:51
Wow! So many articles and opportunities. I’m going to feel like a slug when my book comes out.
August 6, 2021 at 14:05
I’m sure you will do just fine with your newest Casa, Alex! You have many supporters and allies. 🙂
August 4, 2021 at 18:44
It’s great to hear that you’re getting recognition – hooray! I’m so impressed with all your hard work. 🙂
August 6, 2021 at 14:08
Thanks, Diane! I’m sure most authors reading my blog are thinking “Why the heck isn’t she focusing her efforts on writing another book?’ by now. Honestly, if I would be a true writer, like you and others, I would not have time – or feel the priority – to put so much time, effort, and dedication into promotion. I’ve heard it often before as well, that the best promotion for your book is to write another one. Well… that won’t happen (for a while). But when do I ever follow a conventional route? 🙂
August 6, 2021 at 18:58
Writing “the next book” is great if that’s where your heart lies; but most authors (myself included) tend to neglect the all-important promotion of their current books. It’s great that you’re doing what’s right for you! 🙂
August 9, 2021 at 14:37
Thanks, Diane. Finding a balance between writing and promoting would be the best of both worlds, probably. As an author anyway. As a traveler, there is no time for writing, or maybe even promoting. We will have to see soon! 🙂
August 4, 2021 at 19:17
Wow, you are doing great, Liesbet! It’s hard to break through all the noise (and so many books) but you have found several wonderful and creative ways to get your book in front of readers. Congrats!
August 6, 2021 at 14:09
Thanks, Janis. While I’m feeling I’m doing my best and trying out all avenues, it still feels like a struggle that doesn’t get me where I want to be (soon enough). As long as I feel energized enough to keep trying and switching things up, all is good!
August 4, 2021 at 21:38
Writing nonfiction is a challenge all its own! Best of luck with your memoir!
August 6, 2021 at 14:10
Thanks for swinging by here, PK, for the well wishes and for co-hosting the IWSG blog hop this month. I’ll hop over to your place this weekend!
August 5, 2021 at 08:36
How nice to get messages about how much people are enjoying your book – especially people you don’t know!
As always – the energy you put into promoting Plunge is amazing.
August 6, 2021 at 14:27
That message from the new Plunge reader was a nice surprise, especially because it came on a day that I felt down about book sales – and other “failures.” This continued effort and energy will make me sick one day. I do need to sleep and rest better. Soon!
August 5, 2021 at 10:04
You are plunging ahead with the persevering spirit I know, Liesbet: enduring the lulls and getting used to the rhythms of ups and downs. I like your noting the serendipitous too, like signing all those copies for Rosy. On our trip to Missouri I sold 4 copies of Mennonite Daughter, rather unexpectedly.
Thanks for the update–and for promoting our mutual friend Jacqui! 🙂
August 6, 2021 at 14:36
Yay, Marian! Selling four copies of your book on a vacation! That is awesome. I was hoping to sell a few more while I was in Belgium as well, but I kept forgetting to tell new people and old friends about them. So stupid… A couple of people asked me where they could buy Plunge and I would mention Amazon, while I had copies in the trunk! I have learned my lesson now, I think. Like you realized once before as well, it is always beneficial to carry a few copies of our books with us at all times – and to remember that fact. 🙂
August 5, 2021 at 11:39
That was interesting, I watched the video so now I know what you look and sound like outside a still picture! It’s nice to know these things.
August 6, 2021 at 14:38
Anabel, I am glad you managed to get a real glimpse of the “Belgian” Liesbet. 🙂
August 5, 2021 at 16:57
HI! So much to enjoy in this post. First, it was fun watching you in the video (even though I couldn’t understand what you said). In some ways, it’s really cool to watch the expression on a speaker’s face when you don’t speak the language. I saw PASSION in what you were talking about (Plunge and writing) and that says a lot, don’t you think?
Second, of course I LOVED the two photos of you reading my two children’s books. And the reviews. Many thanks!
You are much more attuned to how many books you sell than I am. I think Pete is right – at some point we go on with more writing. Each book we produce is a part of us, and increases our visibility and readership. So —- do you have another book in you? That said, Plunge is such a fantastic memoir and the more people who read the book, the better!
August 6, 2021 at 14:44
Your positive attitude and high-spirited comments always make me smile, Pam! Oh, I can be passionate – about travel, about writing, and about animals. But that’s it! 🙂 The interview, of course, was much longer than what was shown. And, also of course, I have mixed feelings about how I look and sound, like many of us.
One of the reasons I am so focused on Plunge and keep wanting to promote it is because I feel it was the best I had in me – for now. Because I want to make all the work and effort put into it worthwhile, as in making money at some point. And, because I am not writing another book quite yet.
As to the question if I have another book in me? Based on the experiences and “material” collected over the years, I’d say I have about ten more books in me. And, the ideas for those as well. But, the road from idea to publication is just too long, arduous, and exhausting to go through again any time soon. It is no secret that I’d rather travel and explore new destinations, which feels like ages ago. It has been eight years since I visited a new country in depth. A record time…
August 7, 2021 at 15:22
I know what you mean (about seeing yourself on “TV” being interviewed). I’ve had several on-air interview (local or Youtube) and I was so devastated when I watched the first one (that was ME???) I almost never did one again. And yet, I’ve been asked to be interviewed this upcoming week (Zoom) for a town cultural TV slot. And despite my best intentions, I said yes. ;-0
I totally understand about waiting for your next book (I predict there will be another one in your future.) Birthing a book is HARD work.
August 9, 2021 at 14:40
That is great about the upcoming TV slot, Pam! Are you nervous? How did you line that one up? The same “PR” friend? 🙂 You will rock it!!
August 9, 2021 at 16:39
No, believe it or not I sent postcards about my book FLASHES to the neighborhood here, and one couple read it, loved it, and the man is in charge of the town’s local “culture” station. 🙂
August 10, 2021 at 14:20
Postcards!! What a great idea. I’m sure they are a hit in your neighborhood, Pam. Let us know how the radio event went!
August 5, 2021 at 21:44
I am intrigued about Jacqui’s books and I plan to read the first book on a camping trip where I can immerse myself in the story and characters. Thank you for this review, Liesbet.
I also enjoy Pam’s books and gifted them to my grandchildren. A great deal of work promoting “Plunge” and obviously a significant learning curve on where to place your energy. I admire your courage and tenacity, Liesbet. ❤️
August 6, 2021 at 14:45
How exciting that you will read Jacqui’s first – and that you are going camping again, Erica. Lovely. Fingers crossed for beautiful weather and enough downtime to read. 🙂 I remember you posting about reading Pam’s books to your grandchildren – everyone really seemed to enjoy it based on the smiles!
August 6, 2021 at 11:34
Woohoo! Congratulations on the spotlighting!
♥.•*¨Elizabeth Mueller¨*•.♥
August 6, 2021 at 14:46
Thank you, Elizabeth! If promotion is about exposure and not so much about sales, I’m doing quite alright! 🙂
August 7, 2021 at 14:51
Congratulations, Liesbet, on the video and the FB recognition! I think you’ve been very resourceful and have done an incredible amount of book promotion. All of the hard work that you are doing now will pay off in the end. Thank you for spotlighting Pam and Jacqui and for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
August 9, 2021 at 14:39
Being resourceful is the name of the game here, Natalie! You are always so on the ball with your comments and insights. Thank you! I do hope (and believe?) that if I put as much work into promoting Plunge now, it might pay off in the long run, especially when I’m not in a position anymore to keep this work up. Have a lovely week!!! Wishing you blue skies and wonderful biking, paddling, and walking weather. 🙂
August 8, 2021 at 11:26
Oh my gosh, Liesbet. So much wonderful news. TV, newspaper, recognition in more than one country, etc. How wondrous.
AND Jacqui’s latest release, like all her books, is a keeper;)
August 9, 2021 at 14:42
I’m so glad you are also a fan and supporter of Jacqui – as well as so many other wonderful authors – on your blog and elsewhere, Sandra! Thank you!!!
August 9, 2021 at 16:21
Such a titanic work, to promote and sell a book on your own. Congratulations for what you have achieved so far! I am new to your blog, and to your book, they they look very intriguing, I’ll check them out🙂
Christie
August 10, 2021 at 14:19
Welcome, Christie!
Thank you for swinging by, reading, and leaving a comment. I hope you’ll keep being intrigued. 🙂
I appreciate you checking out Plunge as well. You can read the first three chapters for free if you are interested – you just have to click on the “Look inside” feature on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Plunge-Womans-Pursuit-Life-Ordinary/dp/1735980609
You can find out more specifics about my book on this page: https://www.roamingabout.com/about-plunge/
Happy reading!
August 9, 2021 at 19:21
That’s a chock full of stuff post Liesbet. Look at you getting famous everywhere! I watched the video, even if I didn’t understand the language lol. Fantastic! 🙂 xox
August 10, 2021 at 14:22
Haha, Debby. Famous! Yeah, right! The biggest newspaper in Belgium actually JUST posted the interview in their print version today – a month after the actual in-person meeting with the reporter. That’s how important my story is; very news worthy! 🙂 Haven’t seen my sales go up, but you never, never know…
I’m glad you had a little bit of joy watching the video with that weird woman and her even weirder language… Hugs back. Always!
August 10, 2021 at 17:44
Lol you crack me up! <3
August 10, 2021 at 09:34
Hello Liesbet. Reading your post and your about page was fun and transporting. I don’t think I could ever do what you’ve done because I’m too dependent on having roots somewhere. What I do envy is your gusto about publishing your writing and I doubt that I would have that in me either. Folks I respect tell me that my stories are good enough but every time I look at the market (many more writers than the number of readers can support) it just looks overwhelming either via traditional or indie publishing.
So while I’m still working a traditional job, I’m going to stick with creating stories and posting them to my story blog where I share them for free. This way I get some joy from my readers feedback and I get to curate my collection and polish how each piece is presented.
Your experiences and writing was insightful and I’m glad to have found you.
You have my interest and well wishes from my rooted spot here (for now) in California.
August 10, 2021 at 14:33
Hello Gary!
Nice to meet you! Such a lovely comment you just left on my blog. Thank you!
I have to admit that my husband and I (mostly my husband) miss not having a place of our own, somewhere. Maybe this will happen at some point. Maybe 20 years into this nomadic lifestyle? It would be nice to have a small house to hang all my souvenirs and to call “home” once in a while. We especially miss the sense of community – and a comfy couch. Me anyway.
The entire book publication process was quite tough, to be honest. It’s not for the faint of heart. I learned a lot and every step along the way was new territory. I guess that’s why people attempt to getting published by a traditional press. Who thought writing was the hard part? 🙂 I’m hoping that this publication and promotion work will get easier in the future if and when we plan to do this again. It would have to wait until more adventures have been experienced, though, as that’s where my focus and desire lie now.
I think you know the market – and yourself – pretty well and I totally respect and appreciate your take about publishing your stories on your own website. A marvelous idea. And, you are curating and collecting them there for potential future books. I have another blogging friend who does – and has done – this, resulting in two story compilations, “Glimpses” and “More Glimpses.” The author and blogger’s name is Hugh Roberts from Hugh’s Views and News. You might have heard of him.
Have a wonderful rest of the week and stay in touch!
August 11, 2021 at 16:23
You certainly know what you’re doing, Liesbet. Bravo! I watched your interview, although I didn’t know what you said. It was just wonderful to see you in action. You are getting the word out about your travel memoir and people are noticing. Like you said: on 3 continents. Wow! I love hearing of your success. Here’s hoping I can get my college memoir into the right hands. Anyone’s! All best to you.
August 14, 2021 at 14:34
Hi Victoria! I haven’t quite made it to three continents with Plunge yet… Maybe one day. 🙂 Wishing you the best with the final stages of your college memoir. The longer I have been at this game with my memoir, the more I believe other authors who claim that “the writing is the easy part.” 🙂
August 13, 2021 at 19:56
I’m so delighted to read you are having great successes with your memoir, Liesbet! It must have been so special to sign books with your neighbors and friends in Belgium. Those surprises are quite amazing to see…I’ve even seen a royalty or two, or a random review of my book written in 2018 pop up now and then. Being an author is still quite glamorous and you are doing great!
August 14, 2021 at 14:38
Hi Terri!
I’m not sure being an author is glamorous in this day and age when “everyone” does it, thanks to the ease of self-publishing. But it is cool to be able to sign books and be regarded as someone people are interested in, want to talk to, or might buy a book from. I can imagine that it’s quite fun seeing those royalties or reviews pop up years after publishing. One of my main goals now is to create the groundworks for enhanced and/or continued success in the future, especially when I won’t have the time and resources anymore to focus on Plunge much. We will see what happens…
August 16, 2021 at 17:40
Liesbet it sounds like you are doing a masterful job at promotion. You are very creative in finding different ways to get the word out about Plunge. I was interested in reading Diane’s comment that when writers are focused on writing the next book they may not put enough energy and time into promoting the ones they have.
August 16, 2021 at 21:57
Sue, a lot of authors claim that the best promotion for a book is writing the next one. This might be the case for people writing a series as, when they produced three or so, they offer the first one for free or for 99 cents, hoping readers will like those books and feel inclined to buy the rest of the series.
If you’ve only written one book and don’t immediately plan a next one, promotion works differently. In general, though, authors enjoy and prefer to write (and not do any of the other tasks, like promoting), so they try to find a balance, or just keep writing and hope for the best. It’s all a lot of work.
As you know, Diane is an expert, awesome, and successful at what she does and writes. She has a strong and faithful readership, so my guess is she counts on them to keep buying the next book in her series and to spread the word.